Skyrizi from AbbVie Inc. - psoriasis control with quarterly dosing

Reviewed: ad hoc news B2B & Pro desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-27, 07:19. Details in the imprint.

The Skyrizi injection from AbbVie Inc. sits cold in the fridge, a neat pen in its blister, waiting for the next quarterly shot that many dermatologists now plan into their patients' calendars like routine check-ups.

What Skyrizi is designed for

Skyrizi is a human monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, a cytokine that plays a central role in plaque psoriasis and certain forms of psoriatic arthritis. It is approved in the EU and US for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

In Europe, it is also indicated for active psoriatic arthritis and for adults with moderate to severe active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, extending its reach beyond dermatology into gastroenterology. AbbVie highlights that the drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled syringe or on-body injector, depending on the indication.

How the dosing schedule works

After two starter doses at weeks 0 and 4, the standard psoriasis maintenance regimen for Skyrizi is one 150 mg subcutaneous injection every 12 weeks. This fixed quarterly schedule is one of the practical attractions for busy patients and clinicians compared with therapies requiring monthly visits or more frequent injections.

Professor Kristian Reich, a dermatologist often cited by AbbVie in Skyrizi materials, has pointed out that for many patients the ability to forget about injections for weeks and still keep their skin quiet can change how they plan holidays and work commitments. The on-body injector option for some indications allows hands-free administration, which can feel more discreet for self-injecting patients.

What the trials have shown

In pivotal psoriasis studies such as UltIMMa-1 and UltIMMa-2, more than 80 percent of patients on Skyrizi achieved PASI 90, meaning at least 90 percent improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, after 16 weeks of treatment. A substantial proportion even reached complete or near-complete skin clearance measured as PASI 100.

AbbVie positions this efficacy as durable: long-term extension data suggest many responders maintain high levels of clearance for several years on continued quarterly dosing. For patients, this can translate into quiet elbows and knees, smooth backs, and fewer glances at red patches in changing rooms or on the beach.

Where Skyrizi fits in practice

In daily practice, dermatologists tend to reserve Skyrizi and similar biologics for patients who have failed, not tolerated, or are unsuitable for conventional systemic therapies such as methotrexate or ciclosporin. National guidelines, for example from NICE in the UK, describe criteria including disease severity scores and previous treatment history.

For payers and hospital pharmacists, the quarterly schedule brings planning advantages, with predictable dosing and opportunities to align clinic visits. The pre-filled devices are designed to be handled with gloved hands, a smooth plastic finish that feels more like consumer electronics than traditional syringes.

Safety profile and risks

Like other advanced immunomodulators, Skyrizi can increase infection risk, and prescribers are advised to screen for tuberculosis before initiation and monitor patients for signs of serious infections. Common adverse reactions include upper respiratory tract infections, headache and fatigue, most often mild to moderate.

Regulators also flag a potential increased risk of malignancies and hypersensitivity reactions, meaning long-term pharmacovigilance remains essential. Patients are usually given a patient alert card and clear instructions to report fevers, persistent cough or unexplained weight loss promptly.

Pricing and market position

List prices vary by market, but in the US Skyrizi's annual cost for psoriasis is in the high tens of thousands of dollars before discounts and rebates, placing it firmly in the specialty-biologic bracket. In European markets, negotiated reimbursement and tender agreements shape the net price for health systems.

AbbVie reported that combined sales of Skyrizi and its rheumatoid arthritis drug Rinvoq passed several billion dollars annually and are expected to offset part of the revenue decline from the loss of US exclusivity for Humira. CEO Richard A. Gonzalez has repeatedly underlined Skyrizi's role as a pillar in AbbVie’s long-term immunology portfolio.

How patients experience it

For many patients, the first Skyrizi injection happens under supervision in a hospital day unit, with nurses talking them through the steps while the injector clicks softly against the skin. Later, self-injection at home becomes a routine, often timed to a quiet evening or weekend morning.

Patient testimonials reported in registries and advocacy-group materials describe the satisfaction of wearing short-sleeved shirts again and the quiet confidence of not leaving skin flakes on dark office chairs. Some do mention the practical nuisance of arranging fridge space and remembering when the next quarterly dose is due.

Stock context for AbbVie Inc.

All told, Skyrizi is a cornerstone product in AbbVie's immunology strategy and an important contributor to its specialty-pharma revenue streams alongside Rinvoq and oncology assets. AbbVie Inc. shares (ISIN US00287Y1091) trade on the New York Stock Exchange, with the latest quoted price around 251.97 US dollars on 2026-06-26.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.